Ossett Town captain Steve Jeff celebrates scoring his side’s first goal. Picture: Mark Gledhill
Ossett Town moved further clear of the Evo Stik Division One North danger zone with a 3-1 win over nine men Harrogate Railway at Ingfield.
The sending-off of former Leeds United defender Matt Heath after just seven minutes helped Ossett on their way.
Heath was deemed to have denied an obvious goal-scoring opportunity by pulling down Nathan Curtis outside the box.
The assistant referee spotted the alleged offence and referee Duncan Carratt, who was involved in one of the most controversial incidents of last season, brandished the red card.
Matt Heath looks stunned after being sent off by referee Duncan Carratt. Picture: Mark Gledhill
A number of Harrogate Railway express their verdict on referee Duncan Carratt’s first half display. Picture: Mark Gledhill
Joe Brennan fires in Ossett Town’s third goal. Picture: Mark Gledhill
Harrogate Railway captain Jason Mycoe celebrates pulling a goal back for his side. Picture: Caught Light Photography
Ossett captain Steve Jeff fired the free kick into the top corner to put Ossett in front.
It was always going to be a long way back for Harrogate and early second half goals put the game effectively beyond their reach.
Curtis got the the second and then Joe Brennan added the third with a low finish.
Former Ossett Town player, now Harrogate’s captain, Jason Mycoe pulled a goal back for Railway.
Railway’s bad afternoon was capped off when Adam Baker, who has only just returned from injury, was sent off for a second bookable offence after pulling Curtis’ shirt.
Harrogate Railway manager Billy Miller:
“You’re due a bad night at the office once every season.
“We’ll draw a line in the sand.
“Losing Heathy was a blow so early in the game. We picked ourselves and tried to give it a go.
“We put for up top just to try and give ourselves an opportunity to get back into the game.
“Fair play to Ossett. They had a game-plan and they got what they deserved.”
Ossett Town: Dixon, Hepworth (Exton 88), Merris, Armstrong, Cheeseman, Wood, Stockdill, Akeroyd (Pashley 69), Curtis, Brennan, Jeff. Subs: Connor, Atkinson, Backhouse.
Harrogate Railway: Goodwin, Armstrong, Hunter (Bromley 68), Heath, Morgan, Thirkell, Youhill, Mycoe (captain), Farquharson (Triumbari 77), Ibrahimi (Coates 61), Baker. Subs: Kidd, Martin-Farina.
Referee: Duncan Carratt
Attendance: 89